Salvia (Salvia divinorum) is a natural growing herb found in southern Mexico. Using salvia changes the chemistry in the brain, causing hallucinations. The effects are short lived, but may be very intense. As best we know, the primary active ingredient is salvinorin A and some of the symptoms of use include loss of coordination, intense dizzy feelings, and slurred speech. How addictive it is still being researched.
This Eductional Video and trancript is used with permission from Hopelinks
There are many different types of salvia,
Historically it was mostly used for fragrance, decoration, or medicinal purposes. There is one specific species of the “sage-like” herb that has been used recreationally in modern culture for its recently found psychedelic effects: Salvia Divinorium.
This herb was used in the post-colonial Mazatec period, it was not a recorded discovery before 1939 and it wasn’t until the 1990’s that the psychoactive properties were identified in modern culture. The herb has been originally used for shamanism, healing, and the exploration of consciousness throughout history until the present. The potency of the effective chemical can vary in cultivation and the effects can vary in quantity and/or severity.
Salvia used as a drug
Research shows that Salvia disrupts the same nerve cell receptors as opiates, though produce different effects such as: hallucinations, disassociation, highly modified visual and spiritual perception. The intoxication also varies in the length of time it will affect the user. Methods of using are a dried leaf that can be burned then smoked or steeped into a tea; you can also chew the fresh or rehydrated salvia leaf.
Though it has attracted negative attention from the media, it has not been connected with any pubic issue and the regulation on its legality is determined by each state. In some states, it is legal to buy this herb or concoction made from this herb over the counter. Long-term effects have been feelings of déjà vu or “flashbacks”, restlessness, depression, anxiety, as well as decreased memory and learning functionality. Severe mood swings often are a side effect as well as aggression.
Salvia Addicts Can Recover
The first step is detoxification and can take place in a medical or residential setting.
Although it has not been deemed medically necessary to actually qualify for detoxification physically, psychological dependence will require rest and learning how to deal with the cravings. This is ideal for a person who wants to live 100% clean and sober.
After complete detoxification, most addicts who choose complete abstinence have better outcomes committing to a residential treatment center for thirty to ninety days. There are also no cost 12-self help programs such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Be sure to visit our entire Drug Education Videos series and learn more about drug abuse, drug addiction and alcoholism
References
STREET DRUGS: a drug identification guide 2010
National Institute on Drug Abuse:
http://drugabuse.gov/
Medline Plus:
http://nih.gov/
The Vaults of Erowid:
http://www.erowid.org/plants/salvia/salvia.shtml
The Salvia Divinorium Research and Information Center:
http://www.sagewisdom.org/
